Underestimate the reach of copyright law at your peril – it has influenced and continues to influence nearly every major industry in the global economy. Each quarter, we recap the surprising ways that copyright has entered into major world events and popular culture.
“Edam it! The taste of cheese cannot be copyrighted, court told” via Politico Europe
Although some tastes may be as recognizable as a famous work of art, a case in the European Court of Justice finds that copyright law does not protect the flavor of a food product.
“Copyright Suit Over Blackbeard Shipwreck Footage Sinks” via Bloomberg Law
Queen Anne’s Revenge is at the center of the conflict between the State of North Carolina and an underwater videographer who alleges that N.C. infringed on his copyright by using his footage of the shipwreck.
“Cox Settles Trailblazing Lawsuit That Demanded ISPs Get Tough on Piracy” via The Hollywood Reporter
Protections against copyright infringement can be the linchpin in preventing large-scale infringement of entertainment media from BMG, Universal and Warner.
“Appeals Court Won’t Take Up Copyright Decision That Raised Alarm About Embedding, Linking” via The Hollywood Reporter
Social sharing of photographs clashes with copyright protections in the case of a tweeted photo of Tom Brady.
“G.M. Used Graffiti in a Car Ad. Should the Artist Be Paid?” via The New York Times
Graffiti may be gaining respect in the art world, but its ephemeral nature combined with the frequent anonymity of its creators leads to ambiguities in the application of copyright protections.